We were unsure about cruising but after this wonderful experience we can't wait to go again! HAL is a wonderful company; our ship was beautiful; the staff was fabulous; and our vacation was magical!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We were running late due to a flight delay but turned out okay. There were no lines when we arrived, boarded the ship and had a few minutes before the safety meeting.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We thought the food was VERY tasty and varied. We dined in the dining room, at the buffet, and from the pizza place. We didn't feel the need to pay more for the specialty dining. We bought a $50 beverage card. Probably won't again - we barely drink - toward the end we were drinking just to use the card! VERY glad we purchased the water package. Needed it to prevent dehydration.
The Dining Room
5 out of 5
We ate here almost every night, except the gala nights (not our thing). The food was always delicious and lots to choose from! HIGHLY recommend!!
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We enjoyed the trivia games offered a few times a day. We visited the casino. That could've been larger and offered more options. Nothing else offered really appealed to us. They could vary the activities a bit more, but we entertained ourselves so didn't affect us too much.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We really enjoyed the shows in the Main Stage! They were wonderful! The comedian was hilarious and the musical numbers were great.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
We found the staff to be incredibly attentive and the service was wonderful. We did not lack a thing. Our room stewards were AMAZING! We felt like we were the only people they were taking care of. And on day 2 they called us by our names!! Such a great experience!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was easy to navigate by day 2. It was clean and looked brand new. The public bathrooms were always spotless. Also like that there are few smoking areas - kept the entire ship very clean!
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We loved our cabin. We like to sleep in the dark and without a window the room was like a cave. Just how we like it. I was worried about sea-sickness - we chose this room purposefully as it was on the 1st level and mid-ship. We only felt the ship movement ONE day - and it was a rough day - but we only felt some slight swaying in our room. It was bigger than we expected and the closet space was great. Also - there were PLENTY of outlets and USB ports. We never used the extra strip we brought (based on other reviews). The bed was comfortable. Shower could've been a little bigger - I don't like the curtain to touch me. Would rent this cabin again in a heartbeat!
Ship tip
Get there early so you can explore the ship and get acclimated. Don't make reservations for dinner for every night - let yourself get seated with others - it is a great way to meet people!
The private beach was AMAZING! We rented a clamshell - glad we did - it was sunny and HOT! The clamshell provided some shade so we didn't get burned on our first day! The buffet lunch was good as well. Nothing crazy but plenty to eat!
We did a highlights tour - was informative and fun. Our guide was very funny and friendly! It was CRAZY hot that day so glad we were in am air conditioned bus!! The port had cute shops and fresh coconuts! Yum-o!
We did an excursion to Passion Island - was FABULOUS! The beach was beautiful; it was not crowded; plenty chairs and tables. The lunch was delicious - the ABSOLUTE BEST guacamole I have EVER had!! And it was an open bar! It's a bit of a ride to get there (35-40 minutes) which takes away a small portion of your 5 hours there but still worth it! I could've stayed there ALL day!
We did our own thing in Key West. A friend was our tour guide. Lots of touristy things to do there - and one day is enough. Beautiful little place with some fun history!
Very EASY! Filled out our departure a few days before, received our colored tags - put our bags out the night before - waited for our color to be called - and exited the ship. We actually cried a little as a dozen different crew members were there to say Good-Bye! Found our luggage easily - went through customs - and outside we went. We chose to use Uber for transportation to and from - much cheaper than their transportation and just as easy!
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